Ladder Safety

Because ladders are common tools used every day, many people forget proper ladder safety. It's important to remember that ladder injuries are easily preventable if you think before acting.

Avoid ladder injuries with these ladder safety suggestions.

Do not
use the top step/rung of a ladder as a step/rung unless it was designed
for that purpose

Ladders
must be free of any slippery material on the rungs, steps or feet

Properly set and use the ladder according to
safety instructions and warnings

Wear shoes with non-slip soles

Always maintain a 3-point (two hands and a foot,
or two feet and a hand) contact on the ladder when climbing, and keep your body
near the middle of the step.

Be aware of the ladder’s load
rating and of the weight it is supporting, including the weight of any tools or
equipment. DON'T exceed the maximum
load capacity or duty rating of a ladder.

DON’T permit more than one person on
a single-sided stepladder or an extension ladder.

Be sure that all locks on an extension ladder are properly set.

DON'T climb a closed stepladder.

Haul materials with a line rather than carry them up an extension ladder.

Use a
ladder only on a stable and level surface, unless it has been secured (top
or bottom) to prevent displacement.

DON'T place the base of an
extension ladder too close to or too far away from the your vertical surface. The proper angle for setting up a ladder is to
place its base a quarter of the working length of the ladder from the wall or building.

Making smart decisions while using any type of ladder is a must. Each ladder has directions specific to that ladder type, so be sure to know what capabilities are offered. Remember, ladder injuries are easily preventable.